Air filtration and control system for an animal housing

ABSTRACT

A base carrying a left-side panel and a right-side panel. A top panel is disposed on and extends between said side panels, wherein said base, said side panels and top panel define a pet receiving area. A blower unit disposed at a rear side of said pet receiving area drawing air in a direction from a front side to said rear side of the housing across the pet receiving area. An airflow control covering disposed on at least one of said left-side panel and said right-side panel providing a reduced airflow entering said pet receiving area through the side panel relative to a front side of the housing, wherein a negative air pressure is established within the housing while providing a primary airflow direction from said front side to said rear side of the housing to container pet hair, dander and debris within said housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an air filtration and control systemfor use in an animal housing or independently to contain debris bymaintaining a negative air pressure within the housing and/or drawingair around the animal into an air filtration system to resist pet hair,dander and other debris from exiting the housing or escaping the area inwhich the system is operating.

2) Description of Related Art

Pet hair and dander can be a constant nuisance for pet owners. Even whenthe animal is confined, the hair and dander is easily spread through ahouse by airflow within the house.

Animal housings known in the prior art fail to address the needs of petowners, particularly dog owners, to control pet hair and dander. Mostanimal housing available for pet owners are focused on cooling the petby blowing air into the housing or pet bed. This creates a positive airpressure situation that causes pet hair, dander and other debris to betossed into the air and easily spread throughout the home.

Some housings, particularly for cats, include air filtration systemsthat simple draw air into a closed box type housing, typically when theanimal is not present to avoid scaring the animal with fan noise. Thesesystems fail to contain the hair and dander while the animal is spendingtime in the housing where it can best be contained. Additionally, theair is either drawn upwardly through a vent or downwardly through afloor opening. As such, fresh air is not drawn across the animal andcompletely through the housing, limiting the effectiveness of suchsystems to cool the animal and contain pet hair and dander.

Additionally, debris that is too large to be drawn into an air filter,such as small rocks, sand and dirt on dog paws, can collect on thebedding surface where it is ultimately tracked back into the home.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an airfiltration and control system for use in an animal housing thatmaintains a constant negative air pressure to control pet hair anddander from exiting the animal housing.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an airfiltration system and control system that can operate at low noiselevels to avoid scaring the animal while in the housing.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an animalhousing able to capture and separate debris from the animal that is toolarge to be drawn into the air filtration system.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an airfiltration and control system for use in an animal housing that allowsairflow from the sides, top and bottom of the housing, while controllingthe airflow so that it primarily draws air horizontally through thehousing to help cool the animal and draw hair and dander into the airfilter.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an airfiltration and control system that can provide a bedding independent ofa housing while controlling the airflow around the bedding to helpcontain pet air and dander.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objectives are accomplished according to the present inventionby providing an air filtration and control system for an animal housingcomprising a base carrying a left-side panel and a right-side panel; atop panel disposed on and extending between said side panels, whereinsaid base, said side panels and top panel define a pet receiving area; ablower unit disposed at a rear side of said pet receiving area drawingair in a direction from a front side to said rear side of the housingacross the pet receiving area; and, an airflow control covering disposedon at least one of said left-side panel and said right-side panelproviding a reduced airflow entering said pet receiving area through theside panel relative to a front side of the housing, wherein a negativeair pressure is established within the housing while providing a primaryairflow direction from said front side to said rear side of the housingto container pet hair, dander and debris within said housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a bedding unit is disposed in saidpet receiving area adapted to receive and channel air from said blowerunit at said rear of said housing back toward said front side of saidhousing wherein said air is exhausted and directed back toward saidblower unit underneath said bedding unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said bedding unit includes a framehaving an interior air channel adapted for engaging in fluidcommunication with a plenum chamber of said blower unit for channelingair from said blower unit through said frame.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said frame includes at least onefront exhaust port disposed in a front cross frame member disposed at afar end of said bedding unit away from said blower unit for directingairflow back toward said blower unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said frame includes at least oneexhaust port disposed in a left cross frame member and a right crossframe member for exhausting air underneath said bedding unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a mesh sheet is carried by saidframe and suspended over said base to define an animal receivingsurface, wherein said mesh sheet allows for vertical airflow throughsaid bedding unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one debris collection gapis disposed between said bedding unit and at least one of said left-sidepanel and said right-side panel.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a tray is disposed beneath saidbedding unit and said debris collection gap for receiving debris thatfalls through said debris collection gap.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said tray includes at least oneadhesive strip for trapping debris in said tray.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said airflow control coveringcomprises a mesh sheet disposed over at least a portion of one of saidleft-side panel and said right-side panel.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a grate is disposed on an interiorside of at least one of said left-side panel and said right-side panel.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a front door panel is pivotallymounted to one of said left-side panel and said right-side panel,wherein said front door panel comprises a grate providing generallyunrestricted airflow through said front door panel relative to saidairflow control covering disposed on at least one of said left-sidepanel and said right-side panel.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said blower unit includes an airfilter disposed between a fan and said pet receiving area for filteringair being drawn through the housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said airflow control coveringincludes a cover frame removably carried in a lower channel in said baseand in an upper channel in said top panel, wherein removal of said toppanel allows said cover frame to be raised out of said lower channel forremoving said airflow control covering.

In a further advantageous embodiment, an upper air channel is carried bysaid top panel, wherein said upper air channel is adapted for engagingin fluid communication with said plenum chamber of said blower unit forchanneling air from said blower unit through said upper air channel, andwherein said upper air channel includes at least one exhaust port forblowing air into said pet receiving area.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a control valve is operativelyassociated with said upper air channel for selectively allowing air toenter said upper air channel from said plenum chamber.

The above objectives are further accomplished according to the presentinvention by providing an air filtration and control system for ananimal housing comprising a blower unit having a fan drawing air throughan inlet port with an air filter and exhausting at least a portion ofsaid air into a plenum chamber surrounding said fan; a bedding unitproviding an animal receiving surface disposed adjacent said blowerunit, wherein said blower unit draws air across said animal receivingsurface through said inlet port; said bedding unit including a framehaving an interior air channel coupled in fluid communication with saidplenum chamber of said blower unit for channeling air from said blowerunit through said frame; and, said frame including at least one frontexhaust port directing airflow back toward said blower unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a mesh sheet is carried by saidframe to provide said animal receiving surface, wherein said mesh sheetallows for vertical airflow through said bedding unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a bedding topper is disposed onsaid mesh sheet of said animal receiving surface, wherein said topperincludes a plurality of slits for allowing vertical airflow through saidtopper and said mesh sheet.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said bedding unit includes a frontcross frame member disposed at a far end of said bedding unit away fromsaid blower unit, said at least one exhaust port is included in saidfront cross frame member directing airflow back toward said blower unitunderneath said bedding unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter bedescribed, together with other features thereof. The invention will bemore readily understood from a reading of the following specificationand by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof,wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front left side perspective view of an animal housinghaving an air filtration and control system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a front right side perspective view of the animal housingwith the air filtration and control system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a detailed cut-away view of the control valve from theindicated portion 3 in FIG. 2 according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front elevation view of the animal housing with the airfiltration and control system according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view 5-5 from FIG. 4 of the animal housingwith the air filtration and control system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view 6-6 from FIG. 4 of the animal housingwith the air filtration and control system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 shows a detailed cross-section view of portion 7 from FIG. 6 ofthe animal housing with the air filtration and control system accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a detailed cross-section view of portion 8 from FIG. 5 ofthe animal housing with the air filtration and control system accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a front cross-section view 9-9 from FIG. 1 of the animalhousing with the air filtration and control system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 shows a detailed cross-section view of portion 10 from FIG. 9 ofthe animal housing with the air filtration and control system accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the blower unit and bedding unitaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows bottom perspective view of the blower unit and beddingunit according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view and partial cut-away of thebedding unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a cross-section view 14-14 from FIG. 15 of the beddingunit according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of the bedding unit according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 shows a cross-section view 16-16 from FIG. 15 of the beddingunit according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows a detailed cross-section view of portion 17 from FIG. 14of the bedding unit according to the present invention; and,

FIG. 18 shows a top plan view of a debris collection insert carried bythe tray according to the present invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or moreaspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or moreother aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may notapply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention.As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative withrespect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects andfeatures of the invention will become more fully apparent when thefollowing detailed description is read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of theinvention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. Inparticular, while the invention is described herein with reference to anumber of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that thedescription is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed aslimiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications mayoccur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from thespirit and the scope of the invention, as described by the appendedclaims. Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages ofthe present invention will be apparent from this summary and certainembodiments described below. Such objects, features, benefits andadvantages will be apparent from the above in conjunction with theaccompanying examples, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawntherefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporatedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described inmore detail. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientificterms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one ofordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subjectmatter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar orequivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice ortesting of the presently disclosed subject matter, representativemethods, devices, and materials are herein described.

Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, andvariations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should beconstrued as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group ofitems linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiringthat each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, butrather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise.Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should notbe read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rathershould also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise.

Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosuremay be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplatedto be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular isexplicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as“one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases insome instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case isintended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may beabsent.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 9, an embodiment is shown of an animalhousing with an air filtration and control system according to thepresent invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a base 10 is providedthat carries a left-side panel 12 and a right-side panel 14. The sidepanels are further connected to a top panel 16 disposed on top of andextending between side panels 12 and 14. Accordingly, in thisembodiment, base 10, side panels 12 and 14, and top panel 16 generallydefine a pet receiving area, designated generally as 18. The walls andframe members that define pet receiving area 18 can alternativelycomprise any supporting frame arrangement essentially defining aninterior space with a plurality of sides. It is also conceivable that adome or other rounded shape can be utilized in practicing the presentinvention, as well as, a traditional wire frame cage.

A blower unit, designated generally as 20, is disposed at a rear side ofpet receiving area 18. In the illustrated embodiment, blower unit 20 iscarried on base 10 and arranged to abut left and right side panels 12and 14, and is covered by top panel 16. Blower unit 20 draws air in adirection from a front side to a rear side of the housing across petreceiving area 18.

With further reference to FIG. 11, blower unit 20 further includes a fansub-assembly, designated generally as 22, having an electric powered fan24 in a fan housing 26. The fan sub-assembly 22 is carried in a plenumchamber 28 defined by exterior walls 34 and front wall assembly 35 ofblower unit 20. In the illustrated embodiment, fan housing 26 is mountedto front wall assembly 35 adjacent inlet port 48 and draws air throughthe animal housing and into fan housing 26 through inlet port 48. Fanhousing 26 further includes an exhaust port 36 for channeling the airout of fan housing 26 and into plenum chamber 28. A power switch 30 andelectrical connector port 32 are disposed on the exterior of blower unit20 and operatively associated with fan sub-assembly 22.

An air filter 38 is carried in inlet port 48 of front wall assembly 35of blower unit 20. Front wall assembly 35 includes a filter frame 40secured between a first wall 42 and a second wall 44 so that a filtergap 46 is formed between first and second walls 42 and 44 for receivinga pre-determined filter size. In the illustrated embodiment, air filter38 is seated in filter gap 46 by filter frame 40 so that air filter 38is disposed in inlet port 48. Accordingly, air filter 38 is positionedbetween fan sub-assembly 22 and pet receiving area 18 for filtering airbeing drawn through the animal housing. With further reference to FIG.9, to resist damage to air filter 38, a protection screen 50 is carriedon front wall assembly 35 in front of air filter 38.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 7, and 11, blower unit 20 includes a ventilatedtop wall 52 having a series of vent opening 53 for exhausting a portionof the air received into plenum chamber 28 to prevent over pressurizingplenum chamber 28. Top wall 52 also includes a filter slot 54 throughwhich air filter 38 can be inserted into or removed from filter gap 46.To facilitate changing of air filter 38, top panel 16 includesventilated access panel 56 pivotally carried in top panel 16. Ventilatedaccess panel 56 also includes a series of vent opening 58 generallydisposed above vent opening 53 in top wall 52 of blower unit 20 so thatair exhausted from blower unit 20 can pass through top panel 16.

In one embodiment fan 24 comprises a centrifugal fan design, oralternatively, a backward curved blade design. Depending on the size ofspace to be filtered, the CFM could change. Most animal housing for petswould be in a range of 80 to 220 CFM, though larger housing may requireuse of a 220 to 2000 CFM fan design. The noise level is preferablybetween about 20 to 60 db to be pleasant for the animal. In theillustrated embodiment, fan 24 is a centrifugal fan with 165 CFM rating.The fan size is 4″ deep and 9″ diameter, this can be smaller or largerdepending on RPM of the fan and how quiet it operates.

The pet will want to lay, sleep, near air filter 38 as it has a constantairflow. This increases the chance hair/dander is immediately pulledinto air filter 38. Blower unit 22 has a low decibel (“db”) operation sothat the animal housing is a peaceful space for the pet to rest andsleep. Preferably the db level is around 20 db, but depending on thesize of the housing and the fan, could be as load as around 60 db. Inthe illustrated embodiment, fan sub-assembly 22 operates around 36 db.

Air filter 38 may comprise a broad range of filter types constructed andarranged to capture large and small particulates, carbon for smells, andeven MERV and HEPA, as desired or needed. Air filter 38 may alsocomprise an arrangement of multiple stacked filters, each of which couldbe the same or intended to filter a given target. For example, a firstfilter may be utilized to capture large debris, such as hair, while asecond filter is utilized to capture dander and filter smells.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, an airflow control covering 60 isdisposed on both left-side panel 12 and right-side panel 14, whichcreates a reduced airflow entering pet receiving area 18 through theside panel relative to the front side of the housing where the animalenters. By restricting the flow of air around the sides and top of thehousing, a negative air pressure is established within the housing inthe pet receiving area while providing a primary airflow direction fromthe front side to the rear side of the housing to contain pet hair,dander and debris within the housing.

In the illustrated embodiment, airflow control covering 60 comprises amesh sheet disposed over the left-side panel 12 and said right-sidepanel 14. As best shown in FIG. 9, airflow control covering 60 iscarried by a cover frame 62. Cover frame 62 is removably carried in alower channel 64 in base 10 and in an upper channel 66 in top panel 16.Accordingly, removal of top panel 16 allows the cover frame 62 to beraised out of lower channel 64 for removing airflow control covering 60.This may be required for periodic cleaning or replacement, such as tochange the color of the mesh to match a particular decor.

Preferably, airflow control covering 60 is disposed over the entireleft-side panel 12 and the entire right-side panel 14 to provide areduced airflow entering the left and right sides of the animal housingrelative to a front side of the animal housing where the pet enters. Ina further embodiment, airflow control covering 60 can be used in placeof a solid top panel 16. Airflow control covering 60 can also be used tocover any portion of the rear side of the housing adjacent blower unit20 that is not covered to avoid unwanted uncontrolled airflow in and outof the animal housing. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, blower unit 20is constructed and arranged to cover or enclose the entire rear side 22of the animal housing to avoid unwanted airflow around the sides blowerunit 20. Front side 20 is left open or at least partially open toproduce a higher airflow from the front to the rear as blower unit 20draws through the animal housing. Accordingly, the negative air pressureestablished on all sides of the housing helps draw all dander and mostpet air to the air filter 38.

In an alternative arrangement, blower unit 20 can be mounted to asupport frame such as a traditional wire frame cage. In thisarrangement, the blower unit 20 would be mounted to one of the sides,such as a rear side opposite the cage opening. The top side, left andright sides can then optionally be covered with the airflow controlcovering mesh according to the present invention, as well as any openareas on the rear side carrying blower unit 20 to control airflowthrough the cage and create a negative air pressure in the interior petreceiving area. In a further alternative arrangement, blower unit 20 canbe mounted to a side other than the rear, since some crates have anoptional entrance or door on the side. This allows for more flexibleentry, while still being able to control airflow within the animalhousing. Often the larger spaces/kennels will use the side door.Regardless, airflow control cover 60 allows limited airflow from thesides, top and rear as desired, increasing the negative pressure to begreater at the entrance of the space on whichever side that may be.

There is limited air coming through the mesh sheet sides depending onthe closure amount of the material used. This will prevent thedander/hair/fur from being caught on the inside of the space directingair to the filter. Airflow control cover 60 gives an attractive look tothe pet housing. Many colors are available. In addition, the openingsizes of the mesh can vary from 40% to 100% closed airflow but even the100% closed must still be breathable. The size closure differences inthe material are used to control the airflow. Larger spaces will require90%-100% closure though the sides and top of the space. Smaller cratesmay have a more open screen-filter 40%-90%. This allows the system tooperate with less CFM and quieter operation by controlling airflow.

Dog hair is the primary collection problem with dogs. Dander is lightweight and easily brought into a filter with the negative air pressureand airflow direction of the present invention. The mesh sheets thatdefine air control covering 60 of the present invention allowing air topass thru but do not let the hair escape the area. This is due tophysically blocking the hair from escaping, as well as the effects ofnegative air pressure within the housing. In one embodiment, the meshsheets that define the airflow control cover 60 are a hurricane ratedscreen to provide durability in the animal housing. However, airflowcontrol cover 60 may comprise any breathable fabric capable of allowingairflow into the housing. Preferably, airflow control cover 60 comprisesa woven fabric mesh using 0.018″ diameter vinyl coated 500 denierpolyester core yarns in the warp and in the fill. This material issufficiently durable to resist the weight, scratching, and biting of thelargest dogs.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, a bedding unit 68 is disposed in petreceiving area 18. Bedding unit 68 is adapted to receive and channel airfrom blower unit 20 at the rear of the animal housing back toward thefront side of the animal housing, at which point the air is exhaustedand directed back toward blower unit 20 underneath bedding unit 68.

With further referring to FIGS. 8, 12-17, bedding unit 68 includes aframe 70 having an interior air channel 72 adapted for engaging in fluidcommunication with plenum chamber 28 of blower unit 20 for channelingair from blower unit 20 through frame 70. In the illustrated embodiment,a pair of inlet connector tubes 74 extend from a rear cross frame member71 of frame 70 and are received in openings 76 (FIGS. 8, 11) in frontwall assembly 35 of blower unit 20. Inlet connector tubes 74 provide acontinuous air channel between frame 70 and plenum chamber 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, frame 70 includes a pair of front exhaustports 78 disposed in a front cross frame member 80 of frame 70. Frontcross frame member 80 is disposed at a far end of bedding unit 68opposite inlet connector tubes 74 away from blower unit 20 with frontexhaust ports 78 arranged for directing airflow back toward blower unit20. Additionally, frame 70 includes a series of side exhaust ports 82disposed in a left cross frame member 84 and a right cross frame member86 for exhausting air underneath said bedding unit. The side exhaustports help direct the flow of air exiting front exhaust ports 78 tochannel the airflow back toward blower unit 20 underneath bedding unit68.

Footing member 88 is carried on bottom side of each corner of beddingunit 68 to raise frame 70 off of base 10 to allow air to flowunderneath. Accordingly, an airflow gap 90 (FIG. 8) is providedunderneath bedding unit 68. Additionally, an air flow gap 92 (FIG. 8) isprovided between rear cross frame member 71 and front wall assembly 35of blower unit 20 to allow air to flow upward from underneath beddingunit 68 and back into blower unit 20 where the air is filtered andrecirculated through the system.

In the illustrated embodiment, a mesh sheet 94 is carried by frame 70and suspended above base 10 to define an animal receiving surface onwhich the pet can rest. Mesh sheet 94 allows for vertical airflow,primarily in a downward direction, through bedding unit 68. In oneembodiment, mesh sheet 94 is the same material as airflow controlcovering 60. This provides an animal receiving surface that is easy toclean compared to conventional bedding. Debris can simply be wiped orsprayed off the mesh. To attach mesh sheet 94 to frame 70, securingchannels 96 are disposed in frame 70. A spline 98 wedges mesh sheet 94into one or more of securing channels 96 for affixing mesh sheet 94 toframe 70.

Referring to FIG. 11, a bedding topper 100 may be disposed on top ofmesh sheet 94 of bedding unit 68. In the illustrated embodiment, topper100 includes a plurality of slits 102 for allowing vertical airflowthrough topper 100 and mesh sheet 94. Bedding topper 100 may be made ofa durable foam or rubber material, or other suitable material for ananimal bedding surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, 9 and 10, in the illustrated embodiment, adebris collection gap 104 is disposed between bedding unit 68 andleft-side panel 12 and right-side panel 14. Debris collection gap 104allows larger hair and debris items that cannot be drawn into air filter38 to be pushed off bedding unit 68 and drop below for collection.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 18, in the illustrated embodiment, a tray 106is disposed on base 10 beneath bedding unit 68 and debris collection gap104 for receiving debris that falls through debris collection gap 104 aswell as mesh sheet 94. Preferably, tray 106 includes at least oneadhesive strip 108 for trapping debris in tray 106. In the illustratedembodiment, adhesive strip 108 is disposed on a sheet 110 that can beplaced on tray 106 and easily removed and replaced.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, a grate 112is disposed on an interior side of each side panel 12 and 14 to helpprotect airflow control covering 60. Dogs can also rub against grate 112to remove fur, which is then contained in the animal housing.

Additionally, a front door panel 114 may be pivotally mounted to one ofleft-side panel 12 and right-side panel 14, wherein front door panel 114comprises a grate providing generally unrestricted airflow through frontdoor panel 114 relative to airflow control covering 60 disposed sidepanels 12 and 14.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7 and 9, in the illustrated embodiment, an upperair channel 116 is carried by top panel 16. Upper air channel 116 isadapted for engaging in fluid communication with plenum chamber 28 ofblower unit 20 for channeling air from blower unit 20 through upper airchannel 116. Upper air channel 116 includes a series of exhaust ports118 for blowing air downward into pet receiving area 18. With furtherreference to FIG. 3, a control valve 120 is operatively associated withupper air channel 116 for selectively allowing air to enter upper airchannel 116 through an inlet port 122 extending between plenum chamber28 and upper air channel 116. By sliding control valve 120 left orright, inlet port is either blocked or opened to upper air channel 116.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, blower unit 20 draws air across petreceiving area 18 from a front to a rear of the animal housing, as wellas through side panels 12 and 14. The airflow through side panels 12 and14 is restricted by airflow control covering 60 to establish a primarydirection of airflow from a front to a read of the animal housing. Theair is then drawn into inlet port 48 and exhausted from fan-subassembly22 into plenum chamber 28. From plenum chamber 28, airflow isselectively channeled in upper air channel 116 where it is exhausteddownward into pet receiving area 18 and recirculated. Also, airflow isdirected into interior air channel 72 of frame 70 of bedding unit 68where it is channeled to a front of bedding unit 68 disposed at a frontof the animal housing. The air is then exhausted underneath bedding unit68 and directed back toward blower unit 22. Air is also drawn downwardthrough mesh sheet 94 of bedding unit 68 into the airflow gap underneathbedding unit 68. The airflow underneath bedding unit 68 is then drawnback into inlet port 48 of blower unit 20 where the air is filtered andrecirculated. Accordingly, a negative air pressure is established on allsides of the animal housing helps draw all dander and most pet air tothe air filter 38.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, preferably, blower unit 20 is releasablycarried by base 10 so that it is easily portable, can be adapted toattach to other crates and cages, but can be also be used on a stand,(standalone) for filtering specific areas. Blower unit 20 can even beoperated in a vehicle. If traveling, the user can convert power to DCand filter the pet space while driving, reducing pet hair all over thevehicle. Blower unit 20 and bedding unit 68 can be used independent ofany housing and still provide air filtration and airflow control aroundbedding unit 68 for drawing fur and dander into air filter 38.

The animal housing of the present invention stops pet hair fromtraveling through the house, building, vehicle, plane, boat, camper,etc. The airflow control cover 60 limits the airflow on the crate todirect air from the front to the rear, and also limits the hair, fur,and dander from leaving the space. The air (primarily) enters the frontarea with or without a door, which forces all of the air to travel bythe dog therefore carrying the dirt, hair, dander directly to thefilter. Other debris drops into the collection tray below.

This filter system not only filters the air directly from the pet butwill filter the air in the entire room. This is useful because it pullsthe air directly from the pet and does not allow this dander/hair totravel throughout the house to other surfaces, lamp shades, etc. becauseit is processed immediately at the source.

The animal housing of the present invention will gather most of the hairand dander. Some pets have fine hair and most of that hair is broughtinto the filter. Some pets have heavier hair and much of this will fallthrough the bedding unit 68 or debris collection gaps 104 to the bottomtray 106. Virtually all the hair and dander stays within the housing.Since the airflow is from the front of the space, most of thehair-dander goes in the air filter 38 and is trapped. The rest iscontained by the side mesh sheets and falls to bottom tray 106. Incertain embodiment, it may be preferred to cover the bottom side of thehousing with airflow control cover 30 to contain any hair that may notbe pulled into the filter or escapes tray 106.

The system of the present invention prevents daily vacuuming aroundareas in which the pet sleeps. The bottom tray 106 can be removed andcleaned as needed. Air filter 38 can be cleaned or replaced as needed.

The invention thus cleans the pet hair, at its source, provides acomfortable space that encourages resting. The suspended mesh sheet 94of the bedding unit 68 can help clean pet's feet after a walk or beingoutside and help dry the pet after washing, reduce washing dog beds.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it willbe appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining anunderstanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by wayof limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion ofsuch modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subjectmatter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artusing the teachings disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air filtration and control system for ananimal housing, comprising: a series of frame members defining a petreceiving area; a mesh airflow control covering carried by said framemembers and enclosing said pet receiving area; an entryway opening insaid frame members and said mesh airflow control covering providingaccess to said pet receiving area; a blower unit carried by said framemembers drawing air into said pet receiving area through said meshairflow control covering and said entryway opening; wherein said meshairflow control covering reduces airflow entering said pet receivingarea relative to said entryway opening; and, wherein a negative airpressure is established within said pet receiving area enclosed by saidmesh airflow control covering to container pet hair, dander and debris.2. The system of claim 1 wherein said mesh airflow control covering isbetween 40% to 90% closure to restrict airflow.
 3. The system of claim 1wherein said mesh airflow control covering is at least 90% closure torestrict airflow.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said mesh airflowcontrol covering comprises a woven fabric mesh.
 5. The system of claim 4wherein said woven fabric mesh consists of vinyl coated polyester coreyarns in the warp and fill.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said wovenfabric mesh consists of 0.018″ diameter yarns.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein said blower unit is disposed opposite from said entryway openingand draws air across said pet receiving area from said entryway opening.8. The system of claim 1 wherein said frame members define a series ofside panels interconnected with a top panel, wherein said mesh airflowcontrol covering is disposed over said side panels and said top panel.9. The system of claim 8 wherein said frame members comprise a wireframe cage.
 10. The system of claim 1 including a bedding unit disposedin said pet receiving area having a frame carrying an animal receivingsurface, wherein said frame includes an internal air channel in fluidcommunication with said blower unit to receive and channel air from saidblower unit underneath said animal receiving surface.
 11. The system ofclaim 10 wherein said animal receiving surface comprises a mesh sheetsuspended by said frame, wherein said mesh sheet allows for verticalairflow through said bedding unit.
 12. The system of claim 1 including adoor panel pivotally mounted to said frame members to control accessthrough said entryway opening.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein saiddoor panel comprises a grate providing generally unrestricted airflowthrough said door panel and said entryway opening relative to saidairflow control covering.
 14. An air filtration and control system foran animal housing, comprising: a series of frame members defining a petreceiving area; a mesh airflow control covering carried by said framemembers and enclosing said pet receiving area; an entryway opening insaid frame members and said mesh airflow control covering providingaccess to said pet receiving area; a blower unit carried by said framemembers drawing air into said pet receiving area through said meshairflow control covering and said entryway opening, wherein said meshairflow control covering reduces airflow entering said pet receivingarea relative to said entryway opening; and, a bedding unit disposed insaid pet receiving area having a bedding unit frame carrying an animalreceiving surface, wherein said bedding unit frame includes an internalair channel in fluid communication with said blower unit to receive andchannel air from said blower unit underneath said animal receivingsurface.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said animal receivingsurface comprises a mesh sheet suspended by said bedding unit frame,wherein said mesh sheet allows for vertical airflow through said beddingunit.
 16. The system of claim 14 wherein said bedding unit frameincludes at least one exhaust port in fluid communication with saidinternal air channel, wherein said at least one exhaust port directs airhorizontally underneath said animal receiving surface.
 17. The system ofclaim 14 including a door panel pivotally mounted to said frame membersto control access through said entryway opening.
 18. The system of claim17 wherein said door panel comprises a grate providing generallyunrestricted airflow through said door panel and said entryway openingrelative to said airflow control covering.
 19. An air filtration andcontrol system for an animal housing, comprising: a bedding unitproviding an animal receiving surface; a bedding unit frame included insaid bedding unit and having an internal air channel; a blower unit influid communication with said internal air channel of said bedding unitframe and channeling air between said bedding unit frame and said blowerunit; at least one port disposed in said bedding unit frame in fluidcommunication with said internal air channel, wherein said at least oneport directs air horizontally underneath said animal receiving surface.20. The system of claim 19 wherein said animal receiving surfacecomprises a mesh sheet carried by said bedding unit frame, wherein saidmesh sheet allows for vertical airflow through said bedding unit.